Lead Water Plant Operator (Applications Accepted 7/1/26)

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

An employee in this class performs advanced technical and skilled work in the operation of the City’s Water Treatment Plant and serves as the lead operator for plant operations personnel. This position is responsible for monitoring and treating the City’s drinking water supply, overseeing treatment process performance, assisting with operational scheduling and training, and serving as a key resource for troubleshooting plant issues.

Work includes conducting regular inspections of plant operations, reviewing and interpreting treatment data, performing laboratory testing, adjusting chemical dosages, and ensuring compliance with state and federal drinking water regulations. The Lead Operator is expected to provide day-to-day guidance to other operators, model safe and effective plant practices, and step into the role of Water Plant Superintendent when needed. Work is performed under the supervision of the Water Plant Superintendent and is evaluated based on treatment performance, compliance, leadership, and the accuracy and completeness of operational records and reports.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Operate all necessary equipment at the Water Treatment Plant and monitor plant systems to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant treatment operations.
• Conduct regular rounds to inspect plant operations and record data from gauges, meters, charts, and control panels.
• Monitor, adjust, and calibrate chemical feed systems to maintain compliance with state and federal drinking water regulations.
• Perform and oversee daily water quality testing for color, turbidity, alkalinity, fluoride, chlorine residual, and other treatment parameters at various stages of the treatment process.
• Record, analyze, and interpret operational and laboratory results to support safe and effective plant operation.
• Calculate chemical dosages, treatment rates, and plant performance measures.
• Add treatment chemicals such as alum, caustic, fluoride, corrosion inhibitor, carbon, and coagulant aids as needed.
• Perform backwashing and re-washing of filters using the backwash pump.
• Troubleshoot treatment process issues, identify abnormal conditions, and take appropriate action within established procedures.
• Assist in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of plant equipment, structures, and grounds.
• Provide guidance, instruction, and hands-on training to plant operators and other operations personnel.
• Assist with scheduling, workflow coordination, and daily oversight of operations staff as directed by the Superintendent.
• Interact with and assist vendors, contractors, and other City staff as needed.
• Receive phone calls, interact courteously with the public, determine appropriate response, and call out on-call personnel as needed.
• Serve as backup to the Water Plant Superintendent and be prepared to assume operational leadership responsibilities in the Superintendent’s absence.
• Maintain accurate daily logs, operational records, compliance documentation, and other required reports.
• Perform other plant-related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of water treatment processes, treatment chemicals, and plant operations.
• Thorough knowledge of state and local laws, regulations, and safety procedures related to water treatment.
• Ability to operate water treatment machinery, laboratory testing equipment, and related systems.
• Ability to perform algebraic calculations and maintain clear, accurate, and complete records.
• Must have basic understanding of Excel, Microsoft Word and PDF.
• Strong skill in recognizing abnormal treatment conditions, troubleshooting process issues, and responding appropriately within established procedures.
• Ability to guide, train, and support other operators in proper operating and safety practices.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and communicate effectively with staff, supervisors, contractors, regulators, and the public.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and assume leadership responsibilities during assigned shifts or in the absence of the Superintendent.
• Ability to interpret plant data and make informed operational decisions to maintain treatment quality and regulatory compliance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work in this class involves medium to heavy physical effort. The employee must be able to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, feel, talk, hear, and perform repetitive motions. Visual acuity is required for reading plant data, inspecting components, operating equipment, and performing laboratory analysis.

The work environment includes both indoor and outdoor conditions, including extreme temperatures. The employee is subject to hazards such as moving mechanical parts, electrical current, chemical exposure, high noise levels, and atmospheric conditions. This position requires the use of a respirator and may involve work in confined spaces such as crawl spaces, shafts, manholes, small enclosed rooms, and narrow aisles, which may cause claustrophobia.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DESIRED TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Vocational training in mechanics, electronics, chemistry, or a related field is preferred.
• Extensive experience in water treatment plant operations is required.
• Experience training or leading other operators is desirable.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a valid North Carolina Driver’s License.
• Must possess and maintain a Grade A-Surface Water Treatment Operator Certification.
• Must maintain the continuing education hours required by the North Carolina Water Treatment Facility Operators Certification Board.
• Distribution System Operator certifications are encouraged and may support additional professional development and operational effectiveness.
• This position must be able and willing to step in and fill the role of Water Plant Superintendent as needed.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applications may be obtained from the Human Resources Department (located in City Hall) or on the City of Thomasville’s website at https://www.thomasville-nc.gov (visit the Employment Opportunities page).

SELECTION PROCESS:

Applications will be reviewed to select the best-qualified applicants. Selection will include a structured interview.

THE CITY OF THOMASVILLE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, GENDER, COLOR, CREED, AGE, DISABILITY OR NATIONAL ORIGIN